#BookReview: The Promise of Provence by Patricia Sands

Reviewer: Annie

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Summary:

On the evening of her twenty-second wedding anniversary, Katherine Price can’t wait to celebrate. But instead of receiving an anniversary card from her husband, she finds a note asking for a divorce.

Fifty-five and suddenly alone, Katherine begins the daunting task of starting over. She has her friends, her aging mother, and her career to occupy her, but the future seems to hold little promise—until, after a winter of heartbreak, Katherine is persuaded to try a home exchange holiday in the South of France.

In Provence, bright fields of flowers bloom below medieval hilltop villages with winding cobblestone streets. Charmed by the picturesque countryside, the breathtaking Côte d’Azur, and the enchantment-filled boulevards of Paris, Katherine feels life opening up once again. Lavender perfumes the air, and chance encounters hint at romance and passion. But memories of heartbreak and betrayal linger—and her former life waits for her back home. Can she find the courage to begin again?

Review:

Patricia Sands delivers a very satisfying tale of love, friendship, family and travel.  All of the bonds that can make or break us…and, the possibility of other relationships that arrive when others have departed.  Traveling through Provence, France we are taken on quite a journey with Katherine…and, everyone we meet along the way paints her world vibrant colors…and, some that make her stronger because of their not-so-kind character.

Katherine arrives home from work, excited to celebrate her 22 year anniversary with her husband James.  He leaves her the traditional bouquet of flowers, with an “I am leaving you” note attached!! The gall!! He is in love with someone else, and they are having a baby.  She is punched in the gut!!  She did not see this coming…what did she miss??? Were there signs??

Katherine moves in with her ailing Mother, and begins life again as a single woman.  Unsure if she would ever have a partner in life again.  She doubts it.  I believe she actually Declares she will never fall in love again! But, in the process of being alone, she is learning more about herself.  And, more about the importance of her female bonds and friendships.

I loved her friend, Molly.  She curses a lot, but…she needs an outlet.  I bet you will love her, too.

Patricia Sands introduces us to a lot of the history from WWII between Katherine’s family leaving Hungary behind, and then Katherine meeting up with people in Provence, France…that share in the same history timetable.  I love how delicately she spoke of these awful times.  She gave these people a much deserved voice.  It gave this book a deeper level for me…It made the characters much more developed.

We are taken on Katherine’s journey through Toronto for about 8 months after the “I am leaving you” anniversary note…and, then, her time in France.  OH, the fun begins.  I feel in love with both countries.  Toronto, Canada seems like a beautiful place that I should visit.  But, PROVENCE!! OH!!  I MUST GO!! I want to see all that Patricia Sands describes in this story.  She makes you savor the food…even though you cannot see or smell it, you think you are.  A Baguette is something I am craving. I want olives, and pate, and pains of any sort, wine, croissants…I love how one of the people she meets in Provence (Mirabelle) says that to them “Food is Religion”…it should be that way everywhere!!  I am now longing for a large feast with all of my friends and family around. What fun that would be!

Katherine’s journey is one that needs to be read, and savored.  Every word is beautiful…Every relationship has a story.  I was totally thinking about “Under the Tuscan Sun” and, “Eat, Pray, Love” as I read this book. It definitely stood alone…but, I loved the magic in those books, and Patricia Sands certainly delivers that here.

I put this book down with lots of places to google (to learn more), mantra’s to remember, quote’s to love and awaiting part 2 to this Love in Provence Series.

I cannot wait.

Fantastique!!

5 Stars.